The environment you work in is important for your well-being. If you spend a great deal of time in one office, it is likely that your surroundings have become a blur to you. Most people who spend hours sitting at a desk for their job cease to see their office space clearly anymore, as they are desensitized to what is around them visually. However, their environment can make a big difference to how they feel and how comfortable they are at work.
When people get used to working in a drab office environment they fail to recognize the need to improve their surroundings. They may suffer from work related stress, but not realize that the condition of their office has a part to play in their emotional and physical health. Just making a few simple changes could aid them in feeling happier and more satisfied at work, as well as physically more comfortable and healthy.
1. Lighting
One of the main complaints employees often have when they start an office job is that lighting is unsatisfactory. Perhaps it glares and hurts their eyes, or is too dim, making them squint and strain their vision or not enough natural light is present. If nothing changes, they get used to it.
Look around your office and see if you can improve lighting. Remove furniture and files that block windows and clean the glass to let in more light. You can also change poor lighting so that it is more comfortable on your eyes and helps you feel less stressed. If you have been suffering from headaches, paying attention to lighting in your office could make them disappear.
2. Airflow
Inadequate airflow can make you feel tired and lethargic. People often complain that they lack energy at work and this is sometimes related to working in a stuffy, stale environment with little airflow.
There are many ways to get air flowing through your office. Opening windows is the simplest way, followed by installing fans. If you are tired at work, or suffer from allergies, using an air purifier in your office may help too.
3. Decoration
The best wallpaper or paint colors for an office are those that are fresh and mentally stimulating. Dark or dismal colors such as muddy brown or grey are likely to make you feel miserable while at work. Colors such as yellow and white will help you think more clearly and feel lively, as will areas of pale green and sky blue.
It is fine to have a few objects in your office that do not hold a specific use relating to work, but they should blend favorably with the environment and not be distracting. Look at the objects you keep in your office and ask yourself whether they add to the environment in a positive way, or are a hindrance. Keeping a photograph of your spouse and children on your desk may comfort you and help you work harder, but having many amusing toys could slow you down and clutter your desk.
More: 7 Signs Your Work Is Stressing You Out
4. Furniture
It is sensible to keep only streamlined furniture that is multipurpose in your office if possible. For example, if you need a coffee table make sure it is minimalist, but also has side drawers and a basket compartment underneath for the storage of paperwork.
As it is known that sitting for long periods in an office can be unhealthy, encourage movement by placing equipment, such as printers and fax machines, away from your desk. Leave plenty of space around your desk so that you do not feel hemmed in, and this will encourage you to stand more often and stretch.
As people recognize that they spend a lot of time in bed during their lives, they think nothing of buying a great mattress to keep their back healthy. However, office workers often forget that they may spend an equal amount of time sitting in an uncomfortable chair. Invest in an ergonomic office chair that keeps your body in a healthy position while you work at your desk, and you will be glad that you did.
5. Scent
Fresh air is always great to breathe in, but you can also utilize specific scents to help you achieve what you want to at work. For example, if you want to remember important details placing a few drops of rosemary essential oil into an oil burner will be useful. Likewise, if you want to remain lively and alert, placing bowls of potpourri with a fresh citrus scent in your office may help.
6. Motivational tools
Whether you work alone in your office or share with other people, utilizing motivational tools can increase production and feelings of well-being. A motivational tool could be anything from a positive affirmation sign placed somewhere prominent, to an activity or ritual to increase energy, such as a five-minute break each day, listening to uplifting music and practicing deep breathing.
Think of your office as somewhere special, rather than a place you begrudgingly go to in order to earn a crust. If you improve your working environment by paying attention to small details and making changes where appropriate, you will find that you enjoy being at work and do a great job.1